Jos reflects on 2015: "Very happy with Max' achievements"
Published on 30 November 2015 by Stefan Meens
As Max Verstappen’s dad, Jos stood by his son’s side at all of the nineteen Grands Prix in Max’ rookie F1 campaign. “The season went by so quickly. When things go well, it always feels quicker anyway. If I’d know how well this year would go, I would’ve settled for it straight away”, explained Jos to Ziggo Sport.
Looking back on the season opener in Melbourne he said: “It was a shame that he didn’t finish in the first race because he could’ve left a good impression.” Nevertheless, Jos is delighted with Max’ first year. “He’s learned a lot during the whole season, in terms of qualifying and racing. And I think it can only get better.”
Despite the steep learning curve, Max hit the ground running. “He picks things up really quickly but it’s not easy in such a big team with so many people. Especially learning how to manage the tyres is very hard. It’s a very thin line on which to balance in terms of optimum temperature. If you can’t manage that, you just won’t set a quick lap time.”
“There’s also fuel saving, tyre wear, being quick, overtaking, pit stops and what not. It was all new for Max but I’m very happy how he performed.”
Max proved to be a thoroughbred racer in karts and in Formula 3, but did Jos expect his son to be so competitive in Formula 1? “That’s always difficult to predict despite seeing Max do things in the past that I haven’t seen many other drivers do. But it’s all positive for him that he’s been able to show that in F1.”
In the space of two years, a lot changed in Max’ life, but did it change him as a person? “I think his charisma track side has changed. He’s become more of a man. Last year, his was still a boy, now he’s turning into a proper man. But at home he’s still the same Max.”
Jos has always been by Max’ side and the 18-year-old youngster values his dad’s presence in the pits. But does Jos notice a change in his role as mentor? “I was more involved in the early stages of the season in terms of guiding him. And of course I was very disappointed when he didn’t finish his first race, similar when he had DNFs in Bahrain and China. Those were important Grands Prix so it’s sometimes difficult to control your emotion. However, I think I’m able to deal with that pretty well. When I was still racing, I found that a lot harder."
The Toro Rosso racer put in several terrific performances throughout his debut year. But which one is the best according to Jos? "He’s had a couple of good races. Singapore was awesome: in the beginning he was angry and he showed a lot of bravery and commitment. It meant he was fast, particularly on a street circuit. In Austin the track conditions were challenging. The race started wet but than they were racing on slicks in damp conditions. But he controlled the race, just look at the way he overtook people. But there’s also Brazil, in which he finished ninth. That’s was just an incredibly strong performance.”
Another highlight of 2015 was the footage that proved a viral hit: Max chauffeuring Jos in a Renault Clio RS around Monaco. “A lot of people asked if that was fake, but I can guarantee you it wasn’t. We had been spectating for about six laps before it was my turn with Max. By that point I had noticed the brakes were on fire so I was worried they wouldn’t work. In the run up to Casino square he was going so fast I really think we wouldn’t make the corner, but it all went well. But I can tell you I was glad it was over. It was actually the first time I sat in a car with Max, driving on the limit. That was a bit strange.”
Because of his impressive first year, Max has become popular among the international media. Especially in Great Britain people are enthusiastic. “That’s important as most F1 teams are based there. The British broadcasters have a lot of former drivers commentating and they know how difficult it is to do what Max is showing. So if everyone is so positive, that’s great.”
Apparently, outbraking is not possible in modern day Formula 1. “That’s what people said, but Max has a great feeling on the brakes. He knows exactly where to brake. It’s one of his qualities.”
So how would Jos sum up 2015? “The first of hopefully many years. It was a fantastic season. We want to make the most of it so this is a great starting point."
